McCORMAC, Joseph Arnold (Spud)

Joseph McCormac, beloved husband of Marie McCormac of Calgary, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at the age of 69 years.

Joseph (Spud) was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. After leaving Charlottetown, Spud came to Calgary and joined the Army where he taught Physical Education and later moved to Toronto where he won the Ontario Golden Gloves. While in Toronto he met his wife Marie and they moved to Calgary where he started his own landscaping/excavating business. Later he found his passion for training standardbred horses. The pinnacle of his career came in 2004 when he won the Nat Christie Memorial Stake Race with The Bruster.

Spud always “Did It His Way”. He is loved and will be missed by all.

Joseph is survived by his wife Marie of forty-three years; his sons Joseph (Carolyn) and Brad (Jen); grandchildren Connor and Taylor; and his mother Bertha McCormack. He is also survived by six brothers and one sister, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Joseph was predeceased by his father Alphonsus McCormack and his sister Marion.

Condolence Messages

I’m sorry for the loss of Spuddly. He and I went through a lot of situations over the last 20 some years, some good, some bad. But he will always be in my memory. Joe and Brad should be proud of their father, because I know he was proud of them.

Marie, Joe and Carolyn, Connor and Taylor, Brad and Jen,
Our prayers are with you at this time of your loss. Spud as we all knew him will be truly missed for his drive and termination that there was nothing that could not be accomplished. Doing nothing was the most tiresome thing in the world for Spud there were no roadblocks. His love for his horses showed his compassion for all of GODS creatures. He was a kind and loving man and we will all miss him. May he rest in peace. Memory Eternal.

I was very sad to hear of Uncle Arnold’s passing. I have fond memories of him from when I was a child. I remember being amazed at how cool he was because he was a boxer and horse trainer and considered myself very lucky to call him my Uncle. Aunt Marie, Joseph and Brad, please accept my deepest condolences from Sharon, Evan and I. Hang on to all the good memories, those are the things you need to help you with get through the tough times ahead. God Bless.

Marie, Joe and Carolyn, Connor and Taylor, Brad and Jenn,
We are very sorry for the loss of Spud. We will miss him at all of the family get together’s as he was always so kind. It was obvious to see that he was a loving Papa to Connor and Taylor and a loving father and husband too. We are making a Memorial Tribute to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in his name. Memory Eternal.

I would like to send his family my condolences. U will all by in prayers. Spud was one of the people that start my harness driving career of in the right foot and had great faith in me. He has been a great friend and is a great guy. I will always remember the nat christie and our always great win. He will be greatly miss and alway remembered. I was always reatful for his faith in me and will never forget

I would like to send his family my condolences. U will all by in prayers. Spud was one of the people that start my harness driving career off in the right foot and had great faith in me. He has been a great friend and is a great guy. I will always remember the nat christie and our always great win. He will be greatly miss and alway remembered. I was always greatful for his faith in me and will never forget

Marie, Joe, Brad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Families. Sorry to hear of the passing of Spud he and I had a lot of laughs and fun together also helped me a lot. He was good man whom I respected and I will miss him and also never forget him. The day of the Nat Christie Spud shared that special moment with a lot of people including me. RIP Spudly
Cy McEwen

Our deepest condolences to the family. Alex was Spuds Farrier & friend. We will never forget when Bruster crossed the finish line to win the Nat Christie that day, Spud was in awe! Spud always had a smile on his face!
Will time help to heal your broken hearts.
Regards, Race track friends,
Alex & Barb Jensen

I’m very sorry for your loss Mrs. McCormac, Joe, Brad. I didn’t find out Spud passed until today. Talking to a young man in the horse racing world he started telling stories about a guy named Spud. Just so you know the world out there remembers him and is still talking about things he did and said with a smile. He was kind to me and was a positive influence when I had none. I will remember him. Thanks Spud ! Rest well.